TRADE MARK SEARCHING AND CLEARANCE

Are you a business or individual interested in filing a trade mark application in the UK or Europe? If so, have you considered the merits of searching to see if your chosen trade mark is available for registration?

Before you commence use of a trade mark, it is advisable to search the trade mark register in the corresponding territory, to ensure that you are not infringing any registered rights.

FREE IDENTICAL TRADE MARK SEARCH – UK and EUTM Registers

When choosing a trademark it is important to find out whether the same or a similar trademark already exists and/or is registered. This will help determine whether your proposed trademark is available to use and be registered. As a result, we recommend undertaking a trademark search of the UK and European Union Trade Mark (EUTM) Registers before using a trademark or filing a UK trademark application. At Albright IP, we offer a free initial search for identical word marks on the UK and EUTM Registers. Following on from this, to explore confusingly similar trademarks, a more detailed full clearance search is recommended.

If the search identifies that your proposed trademark might infringe an existing trademark registration you may have to stop using it and select a different trademark. It is therefore prudent to investigate the availability of your proposed trademark at an early stage of your business plan.

If the search results are favourable, a UK trademark application can be filed, if protection in the UK is required. Alternatively, protection in the EU can be obtained via the EUTM or the Madrid Protocol system.

…USE OUR EXPERIENCE TO HELP YOU

The trade mark attorneys at Albright IP can advise you how to obtain the most cost effective protection for your trademark in countries that best suit your business. Simply complete the contact form on the left hand side of this page, and our trade mark attorneys will promptly respond. Alternatively, give us a call.

CONFUSINGLY SIMILAR TRADE MARKS

Although our free identical search is a good initial “knock out” process it does not extend to trademarks which are confusingly similar to your trademark. Existing trademarks which are visually, aurally or conceptually similar to your proposed trademark could prevent you from using or registering it.

The trade mark attorneys at Albright IP are experienced in completing trademark searches, and can advise you on options and strategy for searching your proposed trademark in a cost effective way. Simply complete the contact form on the left hand side of this page, and our trademark attorneys will promptly respond. Alternatively, give us a call.

SEARCH NOW OR PAY LATER

To save long term costs it is extremely important to perform a thorough trademark search, prior to registering or using your new trademark. If your trademark is found to infringe an existing trademark registration, the costs of selecting a different trademark, rebranding and rebuilding your brand could be significant. In addition you may have to pay legal costs and damages, if an action for trademark infringement is brought against you.

WHY NOT CONTACT ALBRIGHT IP AND LET US HELP YOU?

The trade mark attorneys at Albright IP have commercial experience and can ensure that the searching and registration of your trade mark is performed professionally, comprehensively and to meet your budget.

Please do contact us using the contact form with details of your requirements and we will reply shortly with some initial advice and cost estimates.

If you would like further information, please email us directly here or call +44 (0) 1242 691 801 to speak to a qualified British and European Trade Mark attorney.